HI FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!
The summer heat is on and so are the vacations and fun. I want to thank all of you who have enhanced my business with your referrals. Often I meet prospects who tell me they “already have an agent.” Usually, it is a relative—an uncle, sister, cousin or family friend who does real estate. As a result, it becomes difficult to obtain their business. I hope, when asked, that you “already have an agent” too. I plan to be there as YOUR agent who YOU deal with, and where you send YOUR friends.
As an incentive for your referrals, and out of appreciation for your business, any referral you give me that results in a transaction will be repaid with a $50.00 (the state allowed maximum) gift certificate of your choice. I plan to continue with success in my career, and hope to represent you in all of your real estate related needs.
*A RECIPE TO IMPRESS*
Whether you’re in a new home or old, create a little heat of your own with a backyard BBQ, and food that’s sure to impress your guests. Try out this yummy recipe!
BLACKBERRY MARINATED STEAKS
Ingredients:
3/4 cup Holland House white cooking wine (don’t worry, the alcohol evaporates when cooked).
1 1/2 cups fresh blackberries, crushed
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
4 grilling steaks such as New York, rib-eye, or tenderloin
Chopped fresh basil (optional garnish)
Prep time: 15 minutes, Marinate time: Several hours to 2 days, Cook time: 10 minutes
Stir together cooking-wine, blackberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, basil, sugar, salt and pepper in re-sealable plastic bag. Place steaks in bag; seal and refrigerate steaks for several hours or up to 2 days. Remove steaks from marinade and discard contents of bag. Grill steaks over medium heat, 5 minutes on each side or until cooked to your liking. Remove from grill; and sprinkle with chopped basil.
Serves: 4
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
It’s no secret that Utah’s population is booming. Both the National Association of Realtors, and the “Insight” Journal published by our local Zion’s Bank, attributes Utah’s rising home values to this population explosion. In fact, the biggest problem Utah is facing right now is a tighter labor availability. Our unemployment rate is lower than that of the 70’s, the 80’s, and the 90’s. This is great for Utah residents, yet hard on small business owners. Moreover, the minimum wage is set to increase 3 times in the next 2 years. The final boost will take it to $7.25 per hour starting July 24, 2009. It seems as though wages are up. However, real estate has recently slowed across the west—only slightly in Utah. Residents are still realizing single digit appreciation, but in the coming months it may be more critical than ever to use a well trained real estate professional. In other words, the peak in the bell curve may be over. Still, interest rates are expected to remain around the 6.50% to 7.0% range, allowing 1st time home buyers to continue to enter the market. While no one knows exactly what the future brings, I’ve always promoted optimism.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…Keep the BBQ fired up, and the REFERRALS coming. I look forward to working with YOU this next quarter!!
